Japanese Snow Pea Recipe

Snow peas: Fresh and crisp, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender-crisp texture.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the snow peas.

Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Minced and sautéed, it brings a subtle pungency and depth of flavor.

Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top, they add a delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty taste.

To achieve the perfect snow peas, make sure to trim both ends before cooking. This not only improves the texture but also ensures even cooking. When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Stir-frying the snow peas for 3-4 minutes will keep them tender-crisp and vibrant in color. Adding soy sauce towards the end helps to coat the peas evenly without overcooking them. Finally, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the dish.

• trimmed snow peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them a good alternative.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce with a similar umami flavor, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich, smooth texture, though it will lack the nutty flavor of sesame oil.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it will be less pungent and aromatic.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds offer a similar crunchy texture and a mild nutty flavor.

• Allow the snow peas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled snow peas to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The snow peas will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, spread the snow peas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the snow peas are frozen solid. This step prevents them from clumping together.
• Once frozen, transfer the snow peas to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the snow peas in the refrigerator overnight or add them directly to your dish during cooking. Note that the texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will remain delightful.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of sesame oil or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover snow peas to the skillet.
  4. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain tender-crisp.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle a few more toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the snow peas in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if they are heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.
  5. Sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds if desired.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the snow peas evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Lightly drizzle with a bit of sesame oil or olive oil.
  4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the snow peas in a steamer basket.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and place the steamer basket over it.
  3. Steam for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Optionally, toss with a bit more soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking over direct heat, perfect for stir-frying the snow peas.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds accurately.

• Garlic press: A tool to mince the garlic clove efficiently.

• Knife: Used to trim the snow peas and mince the garlic if you don't have a garlic press.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and prepare the snow peas and garlic.

• Serving dish: A dish to present the finished snow peas once they are cooked.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the 200 grams of snow peas accurately.

Pre-trim the snow peas: Trim the snow peas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh garlic.

Toast sesame seeds in bulk: Toast a larger batch of sesame seeds and store them in an airtight container for future use.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the soy sauce and sesame oil before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet heats up faster and requires less oil, making the cooking process quicker.